Behind the scenes: Native Foods Cafe

Executive Chef Kendall Huff takes us through the new vegan restaurant.

Three minutes into knuckle-clenched kneading, I was already beginning to feel the burn. Nationwide Executive Chef of Native Foods Kendall Huff had me in a sweat, showing the ropes of making the meat substitute seitan in what felt like the blink of an eye.

We kneaded. We rolled. We boiled. Soon enough, we had our imitation meatballs to make a sub sandwich rivaling any oozing, dripping “meat-lovers” lunch. This one though, was 100% vegan.

Native Foods Café in Encinitas is the latest in the national chain to open doors. It’s location number 14 for the fast-casual eatery, adding to a highly-successful reputation. While many restaurants achieve success by following the latest trends, Native Foods has found their loyal following by sticking to a simple philosophy: 100% plant-based foods that don’t skimp on flavor.

From cooking in the kitchen with Chef Kendall (whose normal post is in Chicago), I learned the lengths that Native Foods goes to ensure that every detail is made from scratch. Dressings to desserts, the team works meticulously and quickly to turn vegan food into vegan cuisine. There are Native Nachos, a Caribbean Jerk Kale Salad, a Rockin’ Moroccan Bowl, Classic Deli Reuben, Oklahoma Bacon Cheeseburger and Scorpion Burger. It’s the seitan that makes the meat-like texture and flavor, so that each bite is good for the body, the environment and your wallet; all dishes will cost you under $10.

“We take a lot of pride in what we do,” said Chef Kendall. “So every single morning, everybody in the kitchen is making brand new sauces, steamed vegetables, quinoa. And we have a very great culinary team that puts items together that will get all the five senses, six senses, going in your mouth. You get the sweet, the tangy and the sour.”

The restaurant thrives on healthy dishes, but aims to appeal to all eaters, omnivore or dedicated vegan. Check out Native Foods Café in Encinitas, located at 127 N. El Camino Real. nativefoods.com